MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 23: Conor McKenna of the Bombers is tackled by Josh Thomas of the Magpies during the 2019 AFL round 23 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 23, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Port Adelaide has joined the race to secure comeback Irishman Conor McKenna's signature, with the Alberton club firming as a 'favourite' within the past 24 hours.

As recent reports have stressed, as many as four clubs have signalled their interest in picking up the delisted free agent, allowing the 26-year-old to add to his 79 games accrued as a Bomber.

According to Mitch Cleary of 7News, both Port and Brisbane are currently neck and neck in the McKenna stakes, with each pitching their case to the Tyrone native in recent days.

Cleary also reported that McKenna had made his way to the City of Churches on Wednesday, meeting with head coach Ken Hinkley and linking up with a former teammate.

"Connor McKenna has flown to meet Ken Hinkley and held a training session at Port Adelaide with former teammate Orazio Fantasia, as he decides his comeback club," Cleary told viewers of the 7 Network.

"The former Bomber met Brisbane yesterday (Tuesday). The Lions and Power seen as favourites for the Irishman."

Both St Kilda and Essendon remain "in the mix" to land the pacy half-back ahead of the pre-season.

McKenna initially made his way to Australian shores in late 2014, signing a Category B Rookie deal with the Dons and remaining at Tullamarine for six seasons.

Despite holding a contract with the Bombers for the 2021 season, McKenna returned home in September of 2020, parting Essendon on good terms.

The Gaelic product has since been busy representing County Mayo, claiming All-Ireland honours with The O'Neill Men last year.